GERARD
VINCENT PALMA
CAPT - O3 -
Army - Regular
1204
27 year old Single, Caucasian, Male
Born on Sep 24, 1941
From HAMMONTON, NEW JERSEY
Length of service 4 years.
His tour of duty began on Aug 04, 1968
Casualty was on Apr 19, 1969
in BIEN HOA, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died of wounds
HELICOPTER - NONCREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was recovered
Religion
ROMAN CATHOLIC
Remains Intered
Arlington National Cemetery Sect 8, 5518-E
Panel 26W - - Line 8
Photo Courtesy - Eric Newton
Several years after his death, Gerry's family
found the following lines in his handwritten personal notebook: "There
are games that you play to play; there are games that you play to win; there
are games that you do not play. The closest analogy I can offer people as to
what I mean when I say 'I am a soldier' is that it is analogous to what I mean
when I say 'I am a Catholic.' I wish to live a soldier's life, do a soldier's
work, render a soldier's services, and die a soldier's death."
More
Of Capt. Gerard Palma At The USM Academy West Point
Explanation Of Terms
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Harry Terry (Spanky) remembers Gerard Vincent Palma
November 22, 2009
Leader, No FEAR
Posted By: Harry Terry
e-Mail: soar707@yahoo.com
Relationship: Trooper
When I arrived in the field, there was a memorial service for three
troopers and I had a lump in my throat. Scared and not knowing what to
do or say. Then I saw a man walking toward us looking brave and
confident, saying "Lets Go" and we followed. Capt. Palma at that
moment instilled no fear and knowing with his presence we would prevail at
anything. Never spoke to the Captain, but always felt I could follow him
anywhere.
Editor's Note: On April 24, 2008 Donald
J. Waterman, SSG A co. 3-81st Armor, Cadre 194th Armor, Ft. Knox, KY
writes:
I'm a recently mobilized reservist from South Carolina. I teach Combat Life
Saver training to Basic Training Soldiers here at Ft. Knox KY. I thought
you would be interested in knowing that the training facility we teach in is
Palma Hall. Day 1 of training includes a brief introduction which
includes a short biography and history of CPT. Palma. CPT. Palma's ultimate
sacrifice did not go unnoticed here.
Ben Butts remembers Gerard Vincent Palma
December 14, 2000
"Captain Palma's Photo"
Posted By: Ben Butts
e-Mail: bbenblue@aol.com
Relationship: K Troop Brother - 2nd Plt. 11/ '68-'69
Your photo sir, was a very moving thing for me to see. There was no man that I
admired more than you. You were the finnest leader that I served with in my short time in
the army.
